Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) has announced the kickoff of its fourth annual spring fundraising campaign, Support Our Shelves. With an aggressive goal of $500,000 for new books and materials, the campaign encourages every Brooklyn resident to support their local library through donations and advocacy.

The campaign runs from March 1 through June 30, and donations can be made directly at local libraries, online at https://bpl.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/donate or by phone at 718.230.2738. The library is also accepting donations at select locations through ABC Kiosks, which allow customers to make small donations in the amounts of $1, $5, $10 and $20.

Over the past year, the library has seen increased usage and circulation as Brooklynites take advantage of the free materials, programs, classes and workshops that BPL offers. Support Our Shelves is designed to raise critical funds to help buy books, DVDs, eBooks and other materials for all neighborhood libraries across the borough. Donations can be designated to a specific branch or for general support.

“Our extraordinary collection of materials makes it possible to learn about virtually any subject,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO. “We offer books and other resources in more than 30 different languages. Every donation we receive from our patrons will help ensure that BPL’s collection remains as vibrant and diverse as the borough that we serve.”

The campaign has received strong support from corporate sponsor AT&T. Additionally, local retailer Brooklyn Industries has created a limited-edition T-shirt that will benefit the Support Our Shelves campaign. The shirt will be available starting March 30 online at www.brooklynindustries.com and the Dumbo, Park Slope, Seventh Avenue, Smith Street and Williamsburgh store locations.

About Brooklyn Public Library:

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries around the borough.

BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a huge selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, literacy programs and public computers. BPL’s eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, catalog information and free homework help, are available to customers of all ages 24 hours a day at our website: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.